William Firefly season has arrived. To call the firefly a beetle (which it is) is to call the lowriders of my native Los Angeles cars (which they are): they’ve just been incredibly tweaked.
Warning: Content below may be disturbing to some readers
Firefly larvae are specialized predators which feed on other larvae, snails, and slugs. They have evolved mandibles which deliver digestive fluids directly to their tummies from their prey. Yikes. Slugs.
When mating season comes, the males must find females within the two or so days allotted to them so fly around flashing in bioluminescence “Let’s have sex!,” and the females, who generally don’t fly, having found an appropriate place to lay eggs, respond with a gentle bioluminescent wink. They then get it on.
The larva require very clean water both for their own health and that of their prey. As such, firefly habitats have been greatly reduced. Kumamoto, famous for its spring water, remains a major habitat. Google “熊本蛍マップ” to find a likely sighting spot near you, or click on this link: https://kumamoto.guide/seasons/firefly/ . (One such place is the garden behind the city library at Ezuko).
Below: Firefly female; males hoping to get lucky.